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It’s here–the event you engaged ladies have been waiting for is here! January 7th-13th, Chevy Chase Bridal (5300 Wisconsin Ave. NW) will hold its Semi-Annual Sample Sale. Receive up to 80% off dozens of sample gowns from Justin Alexander, Romona Keveza, Simone Carvalli and many more!

Ladies, if you have no idea, gowns can cost in the thousands of dollars. I was personally there when a friend of mine spent $1500 on a dress. A dress. Now yes, it is THEE dress, but it’s a dress. You’ll wear it TWICE if you’re lucky – once for pictures before the wedding and then the day of. And let me tell you that every dollar counts in a wedding budget. That $1500 or at least part of it, could have been spent on another element that you really wanted but wasn’t part of the budget (for me, it was the chocolate fountain.)

So let me share another Soulcialite tip. Please ladies, if you have the good sense, and especially if you DON’T have the budget, consider a Sample Sale for your one time wear gown.

Now personally, I participated in the Filene’s Running of the Brides for my Bridal Gown. It was a fantastic experience. So much so that I encouraged my best friend and a co-worker to go and they both found their gowns too.

My point: while it may be one of the most important elements of your wedding (aside from the pesky love thing) you will wear your bridal gown one time, two times TOPS (if you take engagement photos). You can save a nice chunk of change by looking at Sample sales or participating in the Running of the Brides, where you can buy a gown that would have normally been outside of your price range.

3 Responses to “You’ll Wear that Dress ONE time – Bridal Gowns”

Hi Najeema — Pat at Filene’s Basement here. Love your blog–especially the name and your tag line. You are so right about the cost of a wedding gown. I think brides are crazy not to try a sample sale or the Running of the Brides first. I’m working OT to prepare for the winter/spring ROTB events. If any of your readers don’t find their dream dress at the Chevy Chase sample sale, they might want to try the ROTB scheduled in D.C. on Friday, April 29 at Filene’s Basement in Mazza Gallerie. Pat

As much as i love a pretty dress for a wedding, I cannot imagine spending so much money on a gown that will be worn once. If I ever get married, I want to go to the courthouse and have the deed done in jeans. I know I am an extreme case and most other women will gasp at my wants. So I thank you for giving them the option of sample sales. I hope many of them will read your post.

Danielle, sample sales are great. And I’m going to do another post on the Filene’s bridal run. It may seem messy, but it was the best way for me to find the most gorgeous dress that was made just for me.
And hey, if the courthouse works for you, that’s all that matters. You can always pull a Carrie and wear something fab and vintage! Thanks for your comments!